India's lead in the Edgbaston Test is 244 runs. Team India will aim to set England a target of 400+ to seek revenge, considering England chased down 378 runs on this very ground in 2022.
IND vs ENG: The second match of the five-match Test series between India and England, taking place at the historic Edgbaston ground, has now reached a decisive stage. By the end of the third day's play, the Indian team had scored 64 runs for the loss of one wicket in their second innings, with a total lead of 244 runs. The fourth day's play is now going to be very crucial because Team India is once again trying to set a 'safe target' on the same ground where England chased down 378 runs with ease and created history two years ago.
When Edgbaston became a 'ground of pain' for India
It was the year 2022. The last match of the five-Test series between India and England was played at Edgbaston, which was then called a rescheduled Test. India had set a target of 378 runs for England to win, which was considered quite challenging for the fourth innings. However, England, displaying Bazball cricket, achieved this score by losing only 3 wickets.
That is why now, as this 2024 series continues on the same ground and India is again heading towards giving England a big target in the fourth innings, everyone's eyes are fixed on one question—will India be able to stop itself from repeating history this time?
Successful Run Chases at Edgbaston: Is 400 Enough?
Looking at the successful run chases in the fourth innings at Edgbaston so far, the figures are surprising:
- England - 378 runs vs India, 2022
- Australia - 282 runs vs England, 2023
- England - 211 runs vs New Zealand, 1999
- West Indies - 157 runs vs England, 1991
These figures make it clear that even a 350+ score is no longer 'unbeatable'. England's current aggressive batting style, especially in the fourth innings, makes them fearless against any target. In such a situation, a “safe target” for India might be 400 or even more.
The Next Morning of Indian Batting Will Be Decisive
By the end of the third day's play, India had scored 64/1. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal got out early, but KL Rahul (28)* and Karun Nair (18)* are still at the crease. Now, if India wants to give England a target of over 400, a long innings by these two batsmen is extremely necessary.
KL Rahul can especially be the 'X factor' for Team India at this time. He didn't live up to expectations in the first innings, but in the second innings, he is seen batting with composure and confidence. If he stays until lunch on the fourth day, India can move towards 400+.
England's Batting Has Become the Biggest Threat
England has batsmen like Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes who can change the course of the match in the fourth innings. On the third day, Brook and Jamie Smith showed how much depth and strength this batting order has by scoring excellent centuries in their first innings.
If England gets a target between 350-380 runs again, then India's bowlers will have to show aggression and patience with focus on every ball.
The Responsibility Lies on the Trio of Siraj, Jadeja, and Akash
Talking about India's bowling, Akash's return has been outstanding. His pace, accuracy, and reverse swing can create difficulties for England's batsmen. Also, experienced spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, if they get even a little help from the pitch, can pin down England's middle order.
England's Hopes: Brook-Root-Stokes Trio
The English camp is confident that Brook's confidence, Root's empirical strength, and Ben Stokes' match-finishing ability can make any target seem small. Root scored an unbeaten 142 on the same ground in 2022, making the chase of 378 runs easy—a psychological advantage that India would want to break.
